Stiff pedal with stock clutch

[tylerdurden801]

I've got a stock 93 TSi and the pedal is way too stiff for a normally functioning stock clutch. I've driven a car with 30 miles on an ACT 2600 and it was quite a bit lighter. I've talked with some mechanics and they don't know what the problem might be. If it were the clutch cylinders the pedal would get lighter, not harder. If it were the PP deteriorating, it would get lighter, not harder. If one of the springs broke, I'd be hearing other things in the trans. It shifts fine, but the pedal pressure is just not right. Driving my GF's 94 N/T is night and day. It's a more fun car even though it has no balls just because I'm not fighting the clutch all the time. It seems like no one else has ever had this problem because all the people I ask have no clue. I'm throwing myself on the mercy of the forum here.

As an aside, it seems strange, but the same thing happened to me with my CRX. The pedal pressure was really stiff for a stock clutch, and when I got the clutch replaced with a new stocker, the pedal lightened right up. I'm no clutch expert, why does an old clutch get stiff? Is there lubrication somewhere that dries up over time and creates more friction? Please help.

 

[GTM]

Originally posted by tylerdurden801
I've got a stock 93 TSi and the pedal is way too stiff for a normally functioning stock clutch. I've driven a car with 30 miles on an ACT 2600 and it was quite a bit lighter. I've talked with some mechanics and they don't know what the problem might be.
...
I got the clutch replaced with a new stocker, the pedal lightened right up. I'm no clutch expert, why does an old clutch get stiff? Is there lubrication somewhere that dries up over time and creates more friction? Please help.

Looks like a new article needs to be added.

Every thing you describe here is normal for a diaphram type clutch which works on an overcenter spring principal.

As the clutch wears the pressure plate fingers will rise away from the disk. Thus it takes more pressure to get them to the apex before it goes overcenter. Had you know the key word here was overcenter or over center + clutch you might have found how many times I explained this in the last year.

Now the bad news, you probably are being told a new clutch will be in your near future unless you baby it.

Cheers,
GTM

 

[tylerdurden801]

Wow, thanks for the informative reply. I figured a new clutch would be in order, but how much time do you think I might have? I know it's very hard to diagnose, but is this a condition that can go on for a long time without harsh repercussions? I know it did on my CRX. Thanks again.

 

[GTM]

Originally posted by tylerdurden801
Wow, thanks for the informative reply. I figured a new clutch would be in order, but how much time do you think I might have?
...
Thanks again.

Sure thing.

If it's not slipping, don't let it. No power shifts, no stop light grand prix. Once the car is in motion (within reason) get rid of the clutch, let the engine do the work of getting through the torque range ... don't slip the clutch when changing gears. This is a good time to practice double clutching where you match tranny and engine speed to road speed. You could make it last a year, it could be a month... it's up to you. It will make you a better driver and better on your equipment. Heel and toe can also help but not as much as double clutch.

Cheers,
GTM

 

[tylerdurden801]

Thanks, I'm super easy on it because it doesn't feel right. I haven't launched it from higher than 2K yet (if that can be called a launch) and do my best to shift slowly and accurately. I didn't want to dish out money for a clutch so soon, but I guess that's the way the cookie crumbles. I already had the privelege of doing the TBelt, BSBelt, WP, and an upcoming ubertuneup, and now a clutch! Sweet.

 

[GTM]

Originally posted by tylerdurden801

...
I already had the privelege of doing the TBelt, BSBelt, WP, and an upcoming ubertuneup, and now a clutch! Sweet.

I keep telling people these are not your basic transportation to work to school type cars. They are high maintenance cars which have probably been driven hard at times, bought because they were cheap for they were not affordable to keep up by some single mom. Each time they change hands they have some issues which are just waiting to happen. You just need to know these things and be prepared to do as much of the work yourself as practical without making it worse. If you are not paranoid it will make you so, forget long trips without having a backup car and a tow trailer. (slight exageration)

They are a fun car, they will make your loins quiver under the right circumstances but you must choose the time and place.

Cheers,
GTM

 

[nyTalonTsi]

Bringing this back from the dead. Lol, similar problem, also stock clutch. Clutch was fine yesterday, today very brutal cold morning and i thought the clutch was frozen. 1/2 hour drive same clutch pressure. Its stiff when i press it, when i depress it comes right back up quicker then normal and not smooth at all.

1st gear is a pain cause i have to give it more gas. At first i thought it were my faulty master cylinder then im coming to conclusion the clutch needs to be replaced. Just weird cause it was fine yesterday.